O’Dowd welcomes the passing of key driver for decarbonisation of transport by the Assembly

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the Assembly’s approval of legislation which will accelerate the uptake of zero emission vehicles by setting sales quotas for vehicle manufacturers. This will play a key role in decarbonising transport and fighting climate change.

It will also give confidence to the electric vehicle charging points providers that the number of electric vehicles in the north will continue to increase.

The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) Amendment Order 2024, will come into effect here in January 2025 following similar approval by the other administrations in England, Scotland and Wales.

 Welcoming Assembly approval Minister O’Dowd said:

“The introduction of this scheme is a key driver in how we will collectively meet our climate targets.  The aim is to encourage the sale of zero emission vehicles. It is aligned with the British Government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030, with all new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2035.

“This will accelerate the uptake of zero emission vehicles as these quotas are achieved.  Other critical pathways are also being explored by my department to reach net zero. These include the development of a suite of transport plans and the continued investment in zero emission vehicles in the public transport fleet. However, as we are a mainly rural community, the uptake of zero emissions vehicles will be the key to decarbonisation.

“Climate Change is a concern for all of us and this legislation will help to reduce transport emissions, clean our air and make our home a greener place to live and protect our children’s future.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The VETS Order 2023 is secondary legislation made under the Climate Change Act 2008 that created four vehicle emissions trading schemes and applies to new cars and vans registered in Britain from 3 January 2024.
2. This Statutory Instrument, The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2024 (VETS), will also be made under powers conferred by the Climate Change Act 2008. 
3. This amendment will bring the North into alignment with Britain from 1^st January 2025 subject to similar approval by the other administrations in Scotland, England and Wales.
4. Media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

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